B.C.’s Sharpest Minds Revolutionizing the Global Bioeconomy
Media Release | September 10, 2008
BRITISH COLUMBIA - B.C.'s bioeconomy is heating up with the onset of the Pacific Rim Summit-spotlighting B.C.'s progressive thinkers exploring the impact of the convergence of biotechnology, chemistry, agriculture and ocean sciences on the global economy. The Summit runs from September 10 to 12, 2008 in Vancouver, B.C.
In an effort to further B.C's advancement in the biotechnology and bioenergy industries, the British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC) is pleased to be leading the Summit's organizational committee. BCIC's Life Sciences initiatives, such as the feasibility study exploring microalgae as a ‘greener' source for energy in B.C., actively focus on the hot topics discussed at the Summit.
"Bio-based economies are emerging quickly throughout the Pacific region and the world," said Richard Hallman, Life Sciences Director at BCIC. "With strong partnerships and collaboration, the discovery of cleaner industrial production methods and sustainable energy sources is closer to becoming a reality."
The Summit brings together local and international industry executives, investors, government officials, and scientists (including opening plenary speaker Don O'Connor, President of (S&T)2 Consultants Inc., who resides in B.C. and is considered an international expert on bioenergy and biofuels known for successfully developing and commercializing environmentally sound transportation energy alternatives.
Delegates will engage in a unique forum highlighting everything from new technologies producing renewable fuels and biobased products to advances in genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics in the energy and manufacturing space.
B.C.'s experts presenting in these areas include:
- Abayomi Alabi, Seed Science Limited
Utilization of Algae and Marine Bioresources - Susan Baldwin, The University of British Columbia
Bioremediation: Application of Natural Microbial Communities to Clean up Contaminated Sites - Martin Bliemel, Simon Fraser University
Exploring Nanotechnology and Industrial Biotechnology Nexuses - Lindsay Eltis, The University of British Columbia
Bioremediation: Application of Natural Microbial Communities to Clean up Contaminated Sites - Jack Grushcow, Linnaeus Plant Sciences
Developing Environmentally Friendly Industrial Fluids - Bob Ingratta, Life Sciences British Columbia
International Advances in Biofuels Production - Margo Moore, Simon Fraser University
Bioremediation: Application of Natural Microbial Communities to Clean up Contaminated Sites - Jack Saddler, The University of British Columbia
Cellulosic Ethanol from Softwoods Around the World - Brian D. Titus, Natural Resources Canada, Pacific Forestry Centre
Sustainable Development of Bioenergy and Biofuels Production Systems
For media accreditation and to arrange interviews, visit http://www.bio.org/ind/pacrim/08/Media.asp.
For more information contact:
Stephanie Leung
Communications Coordinator
British Columbia Innovation Council
604.602.5249 | 1.800.665.7222
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About BCIC
The British Columbia Innovation Council (BCIC) is the lead organization charged with advancing innovation and commercialization in British Columbia. BCIC is focused on accelerating the growth of our science and technology communities and competitively positioning British Columbia in the global science and technology economy in order to provide significant employment opportunities and a high standard of living for British Columbians.
For more information about BCIC, visit www.bcic.ca.
